NEWS 5 Rail exhibition launched Whistle Stop explores train history at Millicent museum MUSTILLO RAQUEL journo1@setimes.com.au NEW exhibition celebrating ion of railway systems to the development of the region has been launched at the Millicent National Trust Living History Museum. Decades of rail history from across the South East is on display at the museum’s Whistle Stop Exhibition. Headed by exhibition coordinator Chris Parmenter with the assistance of volunteers, the display explores the impact the railway had on shaping rural settlement in the area. “It is all about remembering the trains and railway systems of the past and bringing back the memories that come with it,” Mr Parmenter said. “We have sourced a lot of local rail items that should be familiar with people if they had anything to do with the trains. “A lot of people may have never seen a train, so these items might be really new to them as well.” Model trains, railway paraphernalia, nostalgic photos and vintage ephemera are on display to assist visitors in Kalangadoo Train Museum.” During the late 19th century, railway lines were constructed throughout the South East to maintain business and social connections with Adelaide. Millicent’s first line was officially opened to traffic in 1879 and was connected to Almost all of the town’s business was conducted on the trains, items and food purchased from the cities and other rural areas would arrive by rail Exhibition coordinator Chris Parmenter recalling the world of steam and stations. “It was important for us to reflect the Millicent and greater South East community so we could preserve the history as well as keep the community informed,” Mr Parmenter said. “We have a lot of personal stories from local people, as well as memorabilia from the Rivoli Bay North and Mount Gambier. “Train stations were the gateway to the rest of the world and were often the central focus of a town,” Mr Parmenter said. “In a place like Millicent, the town was built around the station with the two hotels in the corner and the main street behind the station. “Almost all of the town’s business was conducted on the trains, items and food purchased from the cities and other rural areas would arrive by rail. “It was very much a social place as well, especially when the kids would leave and return for boarding schools in the city. “This area was so fundamental for train travel and it is important we reignite people’s memory and bring the historic rail systems to the surface.” In conjunction with History SA’s ‘About Time: South Australia’s History Festival’, the exhibition will run until Sunday, May 31. Located in the Millicent Visitor Information Centre, entry to the exhibition is $8 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families and includes entry into the main museum. For more information contact the Millicent Visitor Information Centre on 8733 Wattle Range Trading • Australian made & owned cleaning products • Complete range of hospitality products • Huge range of doggy treats & toys! P H WIN A $1000 bank account Phone 08 8733 1716 Shops 2&3, Kentish Place, Millicent jade hurley AUSTRALIA’S KING OF ROCK MONDAY 18 MAY SIR ROBERT HELPMANN THEATRE 11AM FREE MORNING TEA FROM 10AM TICKETS Adult $21 Friends $19 Groups 6+ $17 BOOK NOW 8723 8741 helpmanntheatre.com.au CREATE PHOTOBOOKS ALL ABOARD: Whistle Stop Railway Exhibition coordinator Chris Parmenter checks out some of the rare rail items from the bygone era currently on display at the Millicent National Trust Living History Museum. Site owners keen to share vision THE owners of the former Safries potato plant are keen to share their plans for its $60m makeover with residents of the Wattle Range Council area. The Midfield Group intends to convert the Riddoch Highway facility into a dairy processing plant and create 50 ongoing jobs. The company is holding a drop-in session at the Penola Visitor Information Centre from 4pm to 6pm on Monday, where senior Midfield Group staff will be available to provide information. Wattle Range Council development services director Ed Scanlon said the Midfield Group had now submitted a formal development application for aspects of the conversion. www.thesoutheasterntimes.com.au Mr Scanlon said some internal improvements to the site did not require public notification, but the installation of the milk processing facility was regarded as a category three development. “There is a development approval process being followed,” Mr Scanlon said. “Another good news story is the fact that the Midfield Group is using local contractors to undertake its work on site. “They are also sponsoring the Penola Football Club and the Penola Racing Club.” Documents relating to the Midfield Group application may be inspected at the Penola Visitor Information Centre and the closing date for public comment is May 20. more than just a camping store grab a gift card for mum this mother’s day in store now! 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For further information contact Mirga Lindner, P: 8735 1586 or E: mirga.lindner@tafesa.edu.au Visit: tafesa.edu.au RTO code: 41026 The South Eastern Times, Thursday, May 7, 2015 - 5 4925084 670627 667937 • Y • T O E S U R R E C A N C E O • • H O H